A new report has raised questions about whether Donald Trump will break from a long-standing political tradition this year. The development centers on a major conservative event that has played a key role in shaping his public and political presence over the past decade.
Donald Trump said to miss CPAC for the first time in decades, claims report
Donald Trump is poised to skip the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) for the first time in a decade, according to a report by TIME. A White House official said he has no travel plans to attend the event in Texas, though the schedule could change at the last minute. Neither the White House nor conference organizers responded to requests for comment.
If he does not attend, it would mark his first absence since 2016, when he skipped CPAC to campaign during the Republican primary. Since then, he has regularly used the conference to address supporters, deliver political attacks, and outline policy positions. His appearances have often drawn significant attention from both allies and critics.
CPAC is one of the most prominent gatherings of conservative activists, elected officials, and media figures in the United States. Trump has used the platform to advance his political messaging. This has included claims about the 2020 election and key policy priorities during his presidency. Last year, he highlighted efforts to reshape the federal government. He also described his leadership as part of a broader global movement.
This year’s conference will take place in Grapevine, Texas, near Dallas. This marks a shift from its usual Washington-area location. The event comes as the United States has been in a military conflict with Iran. The conflict has affected global oil prices. It has also heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The conflict has revealed divisions within the Republican Party between hawkish and isolationist factions. Joe Kent, nominated to lead the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest over the administration’s actions in Iran.
A Politico poll found that 70% of self-identified MAGA voters supported the strikes. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “As I’ve said repeatedly, Americans trust President Trump as their Commander-in-Chief and support his efforts to eliminate terrorist threats and keep us safe.”
